HOW TO Live in a VAN CONVERSION Day and Night | VW Crafter | IH Motorhomes N680 CRL | Vlog 426

Trev and Sue explain how they use their new VW Crafter Luxury Van Conversion N680 CRL from IH Motorhomes. If they are Socialising, Dining, Lounging, Working or Sleeping, the van provides different options within the layout. Trev also demonstrates how to store all of the bedding for two people in one small overhead locker.
Note: This video is not a paid advertisement nor are these links affiliate links.
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Thanks for watching our videos. We include all things to do with motorhomes, campervans, van conversions, caravans and the great outdoors. We mainly tour the UK and camp around 80 nights per year in our 2021 IH Motorhomes N-680 CRL luxury VW Crafter van conversion. We offer advice, tips and tricks, review campsites and associated products or services. We also occasionally make videos about other trips we take without the motorhome.
Check out our KZbin channel and please subscribe (it’s free) / poshcatscamping
We aim to release 4 videos a month and if we are touring this could be 4 videos per week. This will depend on availability of wifi, data and signal.
VW Crafter Van Conversion - IH Motorhomes N-680 CRL (2021)
Towed Car - Skoda Citigo (2016)
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: / poshcats
Twitter: / poshcatscamping
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Equipment used for filming:
Camera - Canon PowerShot G7X MkII
GoPro Black 7 with Rode mike and Ulanzu mini tripod
SmartPhone - iPhone 11 Pro
Mini Tripod - GoPro Black 3-Way Arm
Tripod - Neewer Portable 70 inches / 177 centimetres Aluminium Alloy Camera Tripod
Dashcam - NextBase 212 Lite

[@ootnabootwius]

Loving the little round table, very handy. Van looks great and very practical layout.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks guys, we are going to Cumbria next but are thinking of returning to Scotland in January, what’s the weather like in the East coast in January? 🚐 Trev

[@ootnabootwius]

@@PoshcatsCamping East coast is very cold, I think, in January and the daylight hours are very short. Usually January/ february is the most likely time for winter snow. But... Scotland is beautiful anytime of year 😊

[@PoshcatsCamping]

@@ootnabootwius Decision not made yet but will let you know what we plan to do 👍🏻😃

[@ootnabootwius]

@@PoshcatsCamping great, look forward to it. If you do come up the east side remember to check out Culross.

[@Wizardinthewild]

I agree it’s lovely to have the front lounge area. Does all look very cosy. The dining arrangement looks really good. Nice to swivel the table. The bed arrangement looks perfect. Blimey. That storage for the bedding 👍. Great job. Nice vlog. 🙏🚐🐶🐶👍🧙‍♂️

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thank you 😊 we should make another video of Smirf soon. It’s been a while. 🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@AvengerRVAdventure]

You do have a beautiful van. I like the way you have it set up, looks comfy. Thanks for sharing! Steve

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Hi Steve, thank you for your comments, happy thanksgiving 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@gallivantinggalantes]

Hi both, this was great. Loved the little table and the use of different areas of the van. Oh wow so easy to fit all the bedding in the back cupboard Trev. Loved looking round your van x

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thank you Julie, we will do more of this soon 😃🚐 Trev

[@HappyPlaceDiaries]

Great use of space. I absolutely love efficiency. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year Trev and Sue!

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Jerry and Teresa, Happy New Year and hope you have a fab 2022 🥳

[@rickc322]

Great vid as always Guys.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thank you Rick, we will try to do a few more like this as we go along 😃 Trev

[@laikatravels]

Great demo guys 👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks so much for watching 😃🚐 Trev n Sue

[@noreengoulding6160]

Great video, it gives a good idea of day to night. 👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thank you 😊 Yes we like the different ways to use the same space 🚐👍🏻 Trev n Sue

[@alicowls1605]

Loved watching how you set up the van! Looks really great

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thank you, lots of people asked how we arrange the van. 😃🚐 Trev n Sue

[@andrew-karens-adventures]

Karen was amazed when you fitted all the bedding into the cupboards, glad your both enjoying your travels in Smirf 👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Haha yes it’s a real art and took a little practice but I was determined to save space and get it all into one overhead locker. It is the biggest locker but doesn’t look it 😉 We are loving the change from a coach built and we hope you are too 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev n Sue

[@SilvertopMotorhomers]

Nice video you two. Van looks ace and so versatile. Real winner 👍 All the best from Mal and Dave in Stoke

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks we are so pleased with the VW and haven’t really missed the space of the Swift Bolero. It’s really cosy and comfortable 😃🚐 Trev n Sue

[@CaravanEscapades101]

Great Vlog, love to see the way you use the Van. Thanks for sharing. James

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks James we will do a few more of these as we go along and explain more of our vanning things 😃🚐 Trev

[@CaravanChitChat]

Absolutely love how you’ve adapted to the different layout of Smirf mate, and it seems like you’ve got living in there totally sussed and it suits you both perfectly! I cannot get over that rear locker at the top and how HUGE it is the way it swallowed up all your bedding with ease 👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks we are settling in nicely. The storage is fantastic in this van and the rear overhead locker is there due to us not having rear barn doors. It makes a big difference but some people prefer to keep the rear doors. 😃🚐 Trev

[@DolittleCampers]

Absolutely love this video. Great to see how other people make things work for them. I can’t believe you fit all the bedding in that locker. You get an awful lot of space with the crafter that you don’t get in the T6. Love that you have “2 lounges” we really enjoyed this thank you 😊

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks so much. You have always been very supportive of our change to Smirf and we are very grateful 😃 we are pleased with the layout that’s definitely working for us 😃 Trev

[@Wheres_wanda_wandering]

I like the versatility of the beds and the storage area for bedding. It is a beautiful layout. We use our cab area in a similar way, ours makes a 3rd bed from the extra travelling seats so we can use front and back to stretch out and lounge. Take care Gill

[@PoshcatsCamping]

We miss the travel seats but make up for it with a bit bigger washroom. It’s all about compromise but definitely enjoy the two seating areas 😃🚐 Trev

[@lizzie1740]

That was sooo helpful. Thank you. Could you show what outdoor stuff you have and how you store this. Eg table, chairs, outside mat, levellers, bbq or whatever. We cannot decide whether to go for another fixed bed or try a pvc similar to your layout. What do you not have room for that you may wish to carry? So glad I found this channel!

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Lizzie, we are doing a few more videos like this. Next week we have a comparison between external and internal silver screens. We can definitely do a video on storage of equipment yes 👍🏻 🚐 Trev

[@andrewflint8509]

great blog just what ive been wanting to see more of this style content would be fab especialy how you do things when away

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Andrew, we have more to come. Really appreciate your positive feedback 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev n Sue

[@deborahhowell42]

Great video trev and sue , smirf is lovely

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks so much Debs 😃🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures]

I was hooked as soon as Sue mentioned seeing Trev getting the bedding into the little cupboard!!! 😆😆Excellent both…smirf really suits you, so glad your enjoying the change. Take care Michelle and Andy 🚐😃👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thank you 😊 We feel very at home in Smirf. He is the perfect van for us and our future adventures 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev n Sue

[@AlanDavidson1958]

Hi Trev and Sue, superb tour of your van I've just logged into your channel for the first time you have a wonderful backlog of interesting videos I will be trawling through.... I run a holiday cottage letting agency in Whitby but I just bought my first camper a brand new Wildax Europa two birth, similar In the design to yours but smaller. I hope to follow your example of touring from here on........ Take care guys I watching your great channel.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Alan, Wildax are amazing vans we like those too. Great designs and colours. We loved Whitby and will be coming back. There’s never enough time to do everything and the area has so much to offer. Safe travels and see you in the road 😃🚐👍🏻 Trev n Sue

[@donnysweekendvanlifetravel7854]

I think you have the best all round conversion I've seen Smurf is smart functional and a great size all the best donny

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Donny, the layout is working well for us. We will see how it fairs in winter 🥶 🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@bluskyodyssey]

Hi Trev and Sue! The tables are very nice and versatile, and they pack away so nicely. But I like lounge mode the best, all you need is a lava lamp. Amazing all that bed linen fits in that bin! That Smirf is wonder, wine&dine and snore&store, lol. Take care! Debbie - BluWave Odyssey

[@PoshcatsCamping]

It’s amazing how we have adapted to the small van from our class C motorhome. It took no time at all and we have everything we need to tour with and the little lanes and parking are much easier. Take care 😃🚐👍🏻 Trev n Sue

[@TheMotorhomeMiles]

Thanks Trev & Sue was very interested in this one 😉 Stay Safe 😜👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks guys glad you enjoyed it 😃🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@WanderingWheelie]

Still love the motorhome style door on smurf, makes more room internally and distinctive. The internal colour scheme is stunning. So light & modern.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks so much, glad you like it. We love the use of space and the conversion is very comfortable 😃🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@VantasticAdventures]

Thanks Trev & Sue that was very interesting to see how the set up works, you have 2 defined spaces which is great and the rear lounge looks super comfy for er, well lounging 😂👍 Can't wait for Smirf to find some snow and winter camping, your off season videos are always great 😁

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks that’s very kind. We are off to Cumbria next week then Kent then heading west in December with a very short home break for Christmas. I hope we find something you like along the way 😉😃👍🏻 Trev

[@NursingOurTravelBug]

You really maximize that tiny space well! I love that you have a place to work, lounge, and sleep. Do you get tired of the constant set up & tear down of the bed area? Also, have you guys been on a continuous holiday this summer, or do you make a pit stop back home? Thanks for the glimpse into how you travel in your van.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

We love the compact spaces and it’s just for 2 people which makes a big difference. The bed making is just another little routine 😃 We have been home between trips to continue our child minding duties but maximise our time away with careful planning. We don’t miss any opportunities 🤣🤣🚐 Trev

[@Victoria2cupsadayVlogger]

I love your van, I like how it has the two singles :o)

[@PoshcatsCamping]

It’s lovely and simple if you want a double too. We could even leave it made up as a double permanently but for sitting and lounging we like having the day lounge 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@davidbaines9467]

Hi Trev and Sue. You have got a fantastic set up in Smirf . And your vlogging is awesome. Have you. Or are you going to do a vlog. On the equipment you use to make your videos ?. Many thanks Dave

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Dave that’s very kind. We did a Vlog like this when we started but we can do another one soon. We just upgraded our kit so I could show what we did use and what we use now. Thanks for the feedback 😃👍🏻 Trev

[@davidmarek72]

Great video, thanks for doing this. Apologies if you've covered this before, but would be great to hear your reasons for getting a smaller motorhome and the advantages you've seen with this compared to your bigger motorhome.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks David we haven’t covered this in a video but we are working on this one now. Just need to get it right rather than waffle for 10 minutes 😉 take care 👍🏻 Trev

[@davidmarek72]

@@PoshcatsCamping Thanks, look forward to it!

[@Storminatransitvan]

Hi Trevor and sue where did you buy your front seat covers from regards Allan And Carol

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Hi we bought them at the Norfolk Motorhome Show from this online seller motorhomeessentials.com/product/seat-covers/ hope that helps 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@peterneal7160]

You certainly have the Bed situation well worked out! We have the same type of Dinette as your layout but we leave the bed made up and sit or lay on it watching TV. We have 2 little pop up tables one each side to put a dinner plate on and glass on. A lot less hassle! As our Motorhome is wider than your Camper, we sleep accross the van! :-)

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Pop up tables are something we considered if we wanted to dine with 4 people. One like a freestanding caravan type would work well. Thanks for that idea 👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Trev & Sue, great vlog showing how you use the space. It’s very versatile, I like the front lounge. You’ve got the bed making routine sorted, surprising how much you can get in that rear locker. Sue looked comfy in her onesie 🤣 Cheers, Martin

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Martin we enjoyed making this one and Sue took the lead. She always makes a good video even in a onesie 🤣👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@peter.russell]

Impressive storage for the bedding. I think this "different layouts" video will be helpful for people considering configuration options. Just shows it doesn't take long to setup for night mode, all part of the adventure 🙂

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Peter you are so right, we were worried about the bed making being a hassle but actually it really opens up the van and makes less space more useable 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@paulshaw7615]

Hi Trevor and Sue Hope you’re well you said that the mattress topper is 2.5 cm thick but she did not say the width of the mattress if you could let me know please thank you Paul

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Here are the dimensions of the topper from the duvalay website ‎189.99 x 65.99 x 2.49 cm; 3 Kilograms. It’s a single bunk size and fits our van perfectly 😉👍🏻 Trev

[@MarilynChandler-gu5vt]

Trev are you available to put our bedding away? Excellently done 👍 Mal & Gray

[@PoshcatsCamping]

I was quick too 😂😂😂 Thanks for making me smile 😉 safe travels 🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@MarilynChandler-gu5vt]

@@PoshcatsCamping 👏

[@tinacloud8466]

Enjoyed the vlog guys. We spent weekend at Canterbury New Dover Road Motorhome Aire. It’s only up the road from us but nice pub next door. Going to try the other one you visited last time soon. Hope you return and get to see a bit of the Cathedral and Whitstable. Ramsgate Harbour and the underground war tunnels there are also worth a visit 💕

[@PoshcatsCamping]

You remembered we have dates in November to return to Canterbury 👍🏻 I have noted your suggestions and we will look into them, thank you 😊 🚐 Trev

[@johnfoley865]

My question is about the heating system! We currently have a caravan with Aldle heating, we have blown air in our older caravans, however we also had a trauma fire too. Is the blown air warm enough in winter conditions?

[@PoshcatsCamping]

To be fair we haven’t tested the new Truma system in proper winter conditions yet but we will. Vans like ours don’t lend themselves to a wet system due to them being more compact. Alde works much better with Coach built Motorhomes or caravans. Judging by our experience so far the blown warm air is pretty powerful and we don’t expect it to be a problem. 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@deenunya7735]

Thet are the Biz those IH Jobbies I Saw the Green and Black one when going for the Car Wash Two more Stunning Colours Any thoughts about External CCTV Trev?

[@PoshcatsCamping]

I have not really looked into it but certainly will in future. We have a tracker on board and full alarm system which we hope will deter any possible theft however cctv is on when stored at home 🚐😃👍🏻 Trev

[@HappyPlaceCamping]

Well you know I love your van. I definitely think it's a doable living space. And really I was sold with the whole cocktail table 🤣

[@PoshcatsCamping]

You are both definitely invited for cocktails as long as Jessie brings a fish or two for supper 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Are you sure there wasn't someone outside removing stuff as you were putting it in the cupboard 😂

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Oh shucks you saw through my smoke and mirrors 🤣🚐 Trev

[@birdnest5814]

I need Trev to organize my linen closet 🤣 Happy Halloween 🎃

[@PoshcatsCamping]

🤣🤣 Happy Halloween 🎃 Trev

[@justusontour8150]

Hi Trev & Sue Great video . May I ask what was your driver for downsizing ? We have a van similar in size to your previous swift and we tow a car . We have just returned from Scotland and must admit found the outfit a challenge on some of the small roads. I am watching with intrigue how you are getting on with a smaller van re space vs more flexibility on parking etc . You van is a beautiful conversion, I imagine she handles better on the Motorways than your previous van. Very interested to understand the advantages vs disadvantages in real life of Motorhome vs a camper van. Great videos guys thank you for all you do.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

This is a great question and you have answered some in part already. We will add this to our Q&A video and try to cover it all 😃🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@kurts_aviation]

Hey Trev how many times did it take putting the beds away before you nailed it lol

[@PoshcatsCamping]

This was filmed in one take but I had lots of real practice before filming whilst out in the van 🤣 We still pack away the bedding in the same way. Everything goes in the one locker 👍🏻😃 Trev

[@kurts_aviation]

@@PoshcatsCamping Trev one take very good but i bet a lot of attempts in different ways until you found the ideal way great vlog though

[@PoshcatsCamping]

@@kurts_aviation yes we were actually tipped off by another crafter owner so we adapted our bedding so we could do similar to them. We were very keen to save as much space as possible. 😂 I am all ears when it comes to saving space 👍🏻

[@debshamish6533]

Another great vid thanks Trev & Sue (nice effort to get into full character with PJs on Sue👍🤣). May I jus ask whether you have to remove the ‘header’ cushions at the top of the bed or is that just because you’re both tall please? My van will be smaller (600RL) but I believe lounge area same….. Also, any reason you opted for duvalay only and not the duvalay all in one open ‘sleeping bag’ please (I’m unsure which way to go). Thanks! X

[@PoshcatsCamping]

We can sleep with the header cushions in place but it does give a bit more space without. Three points on the duvalay question. The choice we made was so the toppers rolled up small. The separation of the duvet and cover made easier washing options. This option was cheaper. It’s personal choice really and there’s no right or wrong 😃 take care 👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@debshamish6533]

@@PoshcatsCamping Thanks Trev.... That's my issue, wondering which system would store better - the overhead locker across the rear section will be smaller than the one you have - so possibly do with separate duvalay topper (as they come with fitted sheet) and duvet - as you do - and I have to do the pink & blue jobs 🤣 Hamish (dog) is no help at all...

[@PoshcatsCamping]

@@debshamish6533 Tricky decision. If you just have one set of bedding (plus dog) you need to establish if the all in one option is the best for you. At least if you use separates you can potentially use 2 lockers. Or hide the topper on end in a wardrobe with the separate duvet in an overhead or under seat locker space ? Decisions decisions 😃🚐 Trev

[@debshamish6533]

@@PoshcatsCamping Good thinking Trev.... Thank you!

[@terrymoreland3814]

Great video as usual & well done to Sue for doing most of this one, your end cupboard is a lot bigger than it looks to get all that bedding in, where do Oscar & Sophie sleep & where do you keep their bedding?

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Terry, we keep their bedding out on the floor or on the driver and passenger seats during the day. The dogs sleep in their beds on the floor at night and Oscar has taken a liking to the shower tray since we turn the heater on more. I will all this to my Q & A for a video 😃🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@helenandmartinsTreks]

We’ve said it before the van oozes quality in the build Trev & Sue, we thought that putting the bedding away might qualify as a workout 🏋️‍♀️. Nice video thanks very much for sharing.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Haha yes I was puffing a bit. I need to lose a few pounds as I had a good summer with coffee and cake 🤣🤣 appreciate your kind comments 👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@JulieBrooks66]

Did you think of 4 belted seats for 2 extra people at all? Love your channel xx

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Julie, we had travel seats in our other van but didn’t use them as such. Just used them for dining. So we decided to take the layout we have with a slightly bigger washroom. It’s just our preference at the moment. 😃🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@GoingGreenMom]

I think it would forever be in bed mode for me.... especially since you can put the table up if they are singles. Lol

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Definitely comfy for laying about and watching out of the windows. That’s the best bit 😃👍🏻🚐 Trev

[@carolynandcocohaywood2638]

Hi Trev and Sue, I love you new van, another lovely video. Could we see your shower room please? Just seen it in your previous video, love it. The back and side door are much better than mine, I still have the two doors at the back and the sliding door ( which I hate ).

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thank you and yes we can do a little more about our washroom. I will add it to the Q&A video 👍🏻😃🚐 Trev

[@douglashouston81]

Hey well done Trev 👍 My wife says she has a few jobs for you, you guys pop round anytime 😎

[@PoshcatsCamping]

LOL thanks but I am washing my hair tonight 🤣🤣 have a good week. Hope we do meet up sometime 🚐👍🏻 Trev

[@douglashouston81]

@@PoshcatsCamping have a great week 😎

[@markmangan845]

😊👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

👍🏻🚐😃

[@stevekingham6996]

Like sue jazzy pjs

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Lol thanks Steve 💕 Sue

[@trevorpat-lifeontherun]

👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Thanks Trevor and Pat safe travels 😃👍🏻 Trev n Sue

[@debshamish6533]

Sorry - duvalay topper only…..

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Gotcha 😉